SOME CHURCHES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF JARO AND THE DAMIRES HILLS FARM AND SPA RESORT

 

After the CLSP Convention, I discovered that I was booked on an evening flight back to Manila, which left me with an unexpected full day free in Iloilo. Having already been invited to dinner by priest-contemporaries at the UST Central Seminary, I decided to make the most of the day. I asked Fr. Rene Cuadras if it might be possible to use a car so that I could visit several towns and parish churches in Iloilo province that I had not yet featured in my blog.

I realized that Oton, where Fr. Rene was then assigned, was still missing from my list. With twelve towns in Iloilo province yet to be visited, I selected five that were geographically proximate and feasible within the day.

Meanwhile, Bp. Tobias, Fr. Bryand, and Imelda—my companions at the CBCP—found themselves unexpectedly free as well. Their afternoon return flight had been canceled because they did not take the trip in going to Iloilo, forcing them to rebook new tickets to Manila. When I informed Fr. Rene that they would be joining, he readily accommodated the change of plans.

We were picked up from the hotel at ten in the morning and proceeded to a barangay in Oton, where Fr. Rene had just blessed a newly constructed barangay hall. I had initially assumed he would simply arrange the vehicle for us and not accompany us personally, but he generously joined the trip.

After visiting the parish church of Oton, we proceeded to the nearby town of San Miguel. The parish priest there is Fr. Beboy Figura, former Secretary General of the CBCP, though he was not present when we arrived. I had visited San Miguel before, but I was told that the church had since undergone renovation and no longer resembled the structure in the photograph I had previously posted. That alone justified a return visit.

From San Miguel, we drove to Maasin, where the church was undergoing extensive renovation—both façade and interior. We were able to meet the parish priest, Fr. Paul Acebuque, and briefly exchange pleasantries.

Fr. Rene then brought us to Damires Hills, in Janiuay, a beautiful resort nestled in the countryside. He mentioned that just the previous week, the clergy of the Diocese of Sorsogon had held a seminar there. We were warmly received by the manager and the guest experience manager, both friends of Fr. Rene. After a generous lunch, we were given a tour of the property, including the owners’ impressive villa.

It was already past three in the afternoon when we left the resort and returned to the hotel. I still had three nearby towns on my original list, but those will have to wait for another occasion. I could sense that Fr. Rene was not at his best that day, as he was dealing with a persistent cough. Yet he insisted on accompanying us throughout the trip. Out of consideration for him, I thought it best not to press further and deferred the remaining visits for another time.

 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (F- 1572)

Oton, Iloilo

The parish church of Oton was reputed to have been one of the largest churches in the Philippines and is historically significant as the first church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, established in 1572. The original structure, designed in the form of a Greek cross, stood as an imposing testament to early evangelization in Panay. Unfortunately, this historic church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1948, bringing an end to one of the country’s most remarkable colonial-era ecclesiastical edifices.

Part of the wall of the old church which was destroyed by the earthquake in 1948 is already covered by the roots of a balete and has served as a grotto to the Our Lady of Lourdes.

Picture of the old church.

The convento. 

St. Michael the Archangel Parish
San Miguel, Iloilo 

The San Miguel plaza and municipal hall fronting the church. 

St. James the Greater Parish
Maasin, Iloilo

With the parish priest, Fr. Paul Acebuque

The plaza fronting the church. 

Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort
Janiuay, Iloilo

One of the rooms of the resort.

The room had a view of the whole resort

The walkway leading to the house of the owner Dr. Tirador. 

The receiving room of the residence

The 32nd Canon Law Society of the Philippines Convention in Iloilo City

The 32nd National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines was held at Sam’s 21 Hotel in Iloilo City from February 23–26, 2026, hosted by the Archdiocese of Jaro. The convention explored the theme: “Synodality: Theological Foundation, Juridical Structure, and Practical Application.”

The principal speaker was Fr. Fernando Puig, Rector of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) in Rome, who offered a comprehensive theological and canonical framework for understanding synodality in the life and governance of the Church.

Marking also the tenth anniversary of Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, Pope Francis’ landmark apostolic letter reforming the matrimonial nullity process, the program featured two lectures by Msgr. Alejandro Bunge, Auditor of the Roman Rota. A native of Argentina, he delivered his conferences primarily in Spanish, focusing on the jurisprudential developments and pastoral implications of the reform.

The Eucharistic celebrations were held in significant ecclesial sites across Iloilo City: the opening Mass at the Jaro Cathedral, the second at St. Anne Parish in Molo, and the third at the chapel of the University of San Agustin. These liturgical celebrations underscored the communion of canonists within the local Church.

Beyond its academic and juridical discussions, the convention provided an occasion to renew longstanding friendships and professional bonds. Having taught at the UST Faculty of Canon Law for the past twelve years, it was also a welcome opportunity to reconnect with former students—some of whose faces remain vivid even when their names momentarily escape memory.

  

Taking part in the round table discussion regarding the light and shadows of the Philippine Synodal path after Prof. Fernando Puig (center) gave two talks on the Theological-Juridical Foundations of Synodality.

The delegates to the 32nd CLSP Convention. 

With the professors and students of Canon Law from the University of Santo Tomas.  After 12 years of teaching Canon Law in UST, I found out that almost half of the principal members present during the convention have been my students. 

With the tribunal staff of the Diocese of Cubao where I serve as Defender of the Bond. 

Entrance procession with the members of the Execom of CLSP at the opening mass celebrated at the Jaro Cathedral

The delegates to the 32nd CLSP Convention at the Jaro Cathedral

There was a candlelight offering in front of the Jaro Cathedral where the image of Our Lady of the Candles is enshrined.

At the Molo Church (St. Anne Parish) where the mass on the second day was celebrated. 

Oath taking of the new members of CLSP most of whom were my students.

Fr. Fernando Puig, the Rector of the University of Sta. Croce in Rome giving his lecture of the juridical aspects of Synodality.

The chapel of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo where the mass on the third day was celebrated

At the Chapel of USA with Bp. Eugenius Cañete was the celebrant. 

Altar of the University of San Agustin Chapel.